Related Experiment Videos
Non-starch polysaccharides in pig feeding
G C Bakker1, R A Dekker, R Jongbloed
1Department of Nutrition of Pigs and Poultry, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
The Veterinary Quarterly
|August 5, 1998
Summary
Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in pig diets can hinder nutrient digestion and increase gut weight, but also offer health benefits. Future feed formulations should balance these nutritional and non-nutritional aspects for optimal pig growth and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Digestive Physiology
- Swine Science
Background:
- Optimal nutrient utilization in pigs and humans requires digestion before the terminal ileum.
- Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are primarily fermented by hindgut microbes.
- NSP fermentation can negatively impact protein, fat, and mineral digestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dual effects of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in pig diets.
- To evaluate the impact of NSP on nutrient digestibility and hindgut physiology.
- To explore the advantages and disadvantages of NSP-rich ingredients in swine feed.
Main Methods:
- Experimental studies in pigs were conducted.
- Apparent digestibility of nutrients was measured.
- Hindgut characteristics and organ weights were analyzed.
Main Results:
- NSP negatively affected apparent digestion of protein, fat, and minerals.
- High levels of fermented NSP increased the empty weight of the hindgut.
- NSP-rich ingredients provide energy for maintenance and may benefit pig health and ammonia excretion.
Conclusions:
- Balancing nutritional and non-nutritional aspects of NSP is crucial for pig diet formulation.
- Developing nutrient-based feed evaluation systems is recommended over energy-based systems.
- Consideration of NSP's complex role is essential for optimizing swine production.